Being chosen as a U.S. Army All-American is an honor that not many players receive. That can sometimes make for a lonely path, but not for Taquan Mizzell.

The five-star running back from Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside has been to so many camps that he has formed friendships with many of the All-Americans who will be in San Antonio.

"It's a great honor to be named a U.S. Army All-American," said the 5-foot-10, 183-pound Mizzell. "I'm very blessed to have this honor.

"I've been to camps with a lot of these guys but it's a little different this time because we have pads on," he said. "I competed with the best of the best in Atlanta at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge, the Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 tournament and The Opening, so on one hand it's something that I'm used to, but this time it will be a little different."

It seems as though Mizzell, whose nickname is Smoke, thinks he will be more relaxed if he is familiar with the players around him.

"I'm going to feel a little more comfortable down there," he explained. "When I went to the Rivals Five-Star Challenge, I didn't really know anybody and I got to know some of the players there, and at the other camps I went to. So it's going to make me feel more comfortable down there so I can have fun and enjoy myself also."

Mizzell committed to Virginia in August and hasn't looked back. He joins current Cavaliers Demetrious Nicholson, Anthony Cooper and Henry Coley, all of whom went to Bayside.
After keeping a close eye on the Cavaliers this season, Smoke has set some pretty lofty goals for his first year in Charlottesville.

"I got to see the game this weekend and it was a pretty good game," he said. "I expect us to compete and win more games and me be named a freshman All-American."